(KPL) The 2026 Heuan Hin Stone Castle Festival officially opened on February 28 in Xayphouthong District, drawing local residents, officials, and international visitors to celebrate the nation’s cultural heritage.

Held through March 3 at the Heuan Hin Stone Castle temple grounds, the annual festival aims to preserve and promote traditional arts, culture, and customs for future generations. The site was officially recognized as a National Heritage Site by the National Heritage Department on January 29, 2026.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Vanseng Keobounphan, Provincial Party Committee Member and District Party Secretary. Attendees included leaders from Songkhone District, officials from Chanuman District of Thailand’s Amnat Charoen Province, local authorities, and a large number of tourists.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the District Administration Mr. Phousavanh Thepsitha highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the ancient structure. Built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries under the influence of the Khmer Empire, the stone castle reflects the ingenuity of early civilizations in the Sikhottabong and Ngon Yang eras. The structure measures 24 meters in length, 21 meters in width, and nearly 20 meters in height, with surrounding ancient walls spanning 150 by 100 meters.

Heuan Hin Stone Castle is regarded as the second most significant stone monument in Laos after Wat Phou Champasak.

To mark the opening, Mr. Vanseng and distinguished guests performed the traditional nine-time gong striking ceremony for good fortune. Cultural highlights included parades of wax castle replicas, Nagas, the Solitary Ox, the Golden Turtle, and ritual crossbows, along with traditional Kong Ching drumming and seven cultural dance performances by local students and visiting performers.

KPL